October 08, 2009

Media Contact: Keith Oakley, president of the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, 919-515-9262

The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation achieved its third consecutive 4-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in the U.S.

The foundation is the fundraising arm of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University.

In a letter to the foundation dated Oct. 1, Charity Navigator president Ken Berger said that only 12 percent of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that, in his words, the "North Carolina Agricultural Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America.

"This "exceptional" designation from Charity Navigator differentiates [the] North Carolina Agricultural Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," Berger stated in the letter.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Johnny Wynne said, "Throughout its 65-year history, the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation has focused on keeping administrative and fundraising costs low, while continuing to fulfill its mission of supporting the college. Even before public scrutiny of nonprofits became the norm, the foundation operated in an environment of transparency and accountability."

The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity, was formed in 1944 to support agricultural research, extension and teaching activities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. For more information about the foundation, click here.